Education

Ms. Alison Sidow, Superintendent of Schools, is responsible for all aspects of District operations including the Education Department. The Education Department is divided by Elementary and Secondary levels, the Elementary level led by Assistant Superintendent Rob Schoen, and the Secondary level led by Assistant Superintendent Bill Hamblett. Ms. Sidow, Mr. Schoen, and Mr. Hamblett are supported by outstanding staff at the Board Office and at each of our 47 schools.

School District No. 73 provides a comprehensive set of educational programs to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. While the majority of the programs are presented in schools between 250 and 1,200 students, the geography of our District provides unique challenges. There are small elementary schools in Vavenby, Heffley Creek, Savona, Pinantan, Westwold and Logan Lake. The District works hard to provide these communities with quality educational programs and connect the students and staff to the larger educational community.

At the secondary level, School District No. 73 has a variety of school sizes and distances between schools vary from five to several hundred kilometers. Video conferencing has allowed the District to offer an increased number of choices for students. Physics 12 and French 12 are examples of courses that may not have enough students in one school to run a class, but by connecting 3 or 4 schools through live, interactive video, one teacher can provide instruction. This is useful for all schools, but particularly important for secondary students in Clearwater, Chase, Barriere, and Logan Lake.

In addition to meeting the challenges of geography, the District provides a broad range of programs and courses designed to support and enrich the educational experiences of students. These programs include special education supports for students with behavioural or learning challenges, Immersion and Second Language courses, online learning courses, alternate education courses, locally developed courses, and a large number of elective courses. As well, the District offers many enrichment, leadership and athletic opportunities, such as specialty Academies for Hockey and Soccer and an International Baccalaureate program at NorKam Secondary.